Battery module, and battery pack and vehicle including same

Abstract

A battery module, and a battery pack and a vehicle including same are disclosed. The battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a module case housing the battery cell stack; flame retardant pads disposed between the plurality of battery cells inside the module case; and adhesion members attached to the module case to closely adhere to the flame retardant pads.

Description

Battery modules, battery packs containing the same, and vehicles

[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0037209, filed on March 18, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the said application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery module, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle, and more particularly, to a battery module capable of preventing the propagation of flames, gases, or high-temperature particles, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle.

[0003] Generally, secondary batteries refer to batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged, such as lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. A battery cell, the most basic type of secondary battery, can provide an output voltage of approximately 2.5 V to 4.2 V.

[0004] Recently, as these battery cells are applied to devices that require high output voltage and large charging capacity, such as electric vehicles and Energy Storage Systems (ESS), battery modules composed of multiple battery cells connected in series, parallel, or a combination of series and parallel, and battery packs composed of these battery modules connected again in series, parallel, or a combination of series and parallel, are widely used.

[0005] Lithium secondary batteries are currently in the spotlight due to their advantages such as high operating voltage and significantly higher energy density. However, because they use organic electrolytes, there is a problem that lithium secondary batteries can cause overcurrent and overheating when overcharged, which in severe cases can cause fire due to explosion or ignition.

[0006] A battery module may have a refractory pad positioned between the battery cells housed within the module and adjacent battery cells. However, due to manufacturing errors, the module case of the battery module and the refractory pad may not be in close contact.

[0007] Additionally, if the module case and the refractory pad are not in close contact, a gap is formed between the module case and the refractory pad, and if a thermal event occurs in any battery cell, flames or gases are transmitted through the gap to other battery cells placed nearby.

[0008] If the flame or gas spreads to other battery cells or other battery modules, a thermal runaway phenomenon may occur, and if the flame leaks out due to the thermal runaway phenomenon, there is a problem that the driver of the electric vehicle may be burned or put in a dangerous situation.

[0009] Alternatively, there is a problem in that the battery module or battery pack is damaged or burned down by a chain reaction of flames caused by flame propagation, making it impossible to secure the stability of the battery module or battery pack.

[0010] Accordingly, the technical problem to be achieved by the present invention is to provide a battery module capable of preventing flames, gases or high-temperature particles generated in one battery cell from spreading to other neighboring battery cells or other battery modules, and a battery pack and a vehicle including the same.

[0011] In addition, a battery module capable of emitting flames, gases or high-temperature particles in a preset direction, a battery pack including the same and a vehicle are provided.

[0012] In addition, the present invention provides a battery module capable of preventing a thermal runaway phenomenon by preventing a chain reaction of flames due to flame propagation, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle.

[0013] However, the technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems described above, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0014] According to one aspect of the present invention, a battery module may be provided, including: a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a module case in which the battery cell stack is accommodated; a flame suppression pad arranged between the plurality of battery cells inside the module case; and a sealing member coupled to the module case and in close contact with the flame suppression pad.

[0015] In one embodiment, the module case includes an upper module case, and the sealing member can be coupled to the upper module case.

[0016] In one embodiment, the adhesive member may be secured to the upper module case by bonding.

[0017]

[0018] *In one embodiment, the adhesive member may be formed to be deformable when in contact with the flame suppression pad.

[0019] In one embodiment, the adhesive member may be made of a heat-resistant material having elasticity.

[0020] In one embodiment, the adhesive member and the flame suppression pad may be formed of the same material or may be formed of different materials.

[0021] In one embodiment, the adhesive member may be formed of a silicone-based material.

[0022] In one embodiment, the adhesive member may be formed into a curved shape before being adhered to the flame suppression pad.

[0023] In one embodiment, the adhesive member may be formed into a semicircular shape before being adhered to the flame suppression pad.

[0024] In one embodiment, when the flame suppression pad presses the adhesive member and comes into contact with the adhesive member, the adhesive member can be transformed from a semicircular shape to a W shape.

[0025] In one embodiment, the sealing member may be deformed to surround at least a portion of the upper side of the flame suppression pad.

[0026] In one embodiment, the adhesive member may be deformed into a W shape according to a swelling phenomenon of the battery cell.

[0027] In one embodiment, the module case may be formed integrally.

[0028] Meanwhile, according to another aspect of the present invention, a battery pack including the above-described battery module can be provided, and further, a vehicle including the above-described battery module can be provided.

[0029] Embodiments of the present invention have the effect of preventing flames, gases or high-temperature particles generated in one battery cell from spreading to other neighboring battery cells or other battery modules.

[0030] Additionally, it has the effect of being able to emit flames, gases or high temperature particles in a preset direction.

[0031] Additionally, it has the effect of preventing thermal runaway by preventing a chain reaction of flames due to flame propagation.

[0032] However, the effects that can be obtained through the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and other technical effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0033] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention described below, serve to further understand the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to matters described in such drawings.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a schematic overall perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which the upper module case is separated from the side module case.

[0036] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of part A of Figure 2.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which an upper module case is coupled to a side module case.

[0038] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of part B of Figure 4.

[0039] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating a case where a thermal event occurs in Figure 4.

[0040] Figure 7 is a drawing illustrating a case in which swelling occurs in a battery cell in Figure 4.

[0041] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a battery pack including a battery module according to each embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle including the battery pack of FIG. 8.

[0043] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as limited to their conventional or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted with meanings and concepts that conform to the technical idea of ​​the present invention based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the term to best explain his or her own invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are only the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and various equivalents and modifications may exist as of the time of this application.

[0044] In the drawings, the sizes of each component or specific parts of that component are exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated for convenience and clarity of explanation. Therefore, the size of each component does not entirely reflect its actual size. If a detailed description of a related known function or configuration is deemed to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, such description will be omitted.

[0045] The term 'joint' or 'connection' as used herein includes not only cases where one member is directly joined or directly connected to another member, but also cases where one member is indirectly joined or indirectly connected to another member through a connecting member.

[0046] FIG. 1 is a schematic overall perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which an upper module case is separated from a side module case, FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of part A of FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which an upper module case is coupled to a side module case, FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of part B of FIG. 4, FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating a case in which a thermal event has occurred in FIG. 4, and FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating a case in which swelling has occurred in a battery cell in FIG. 4.

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell stack (100), a module case (200), a flame suppression pad (300), and a sealing member (400).

[0048] A battery cell stack (100) may be configured such that a plurality of battery cells (110) are stacked. The battery cells (110) may have various structures, and further, the plurality of battery cells (110) may be stacked in various ways.

[0049] The battery cell (110) may have a structure in which a plurality of unit cells arranged in the order of positive plate-separator-negative plate or bi-cells arranged in the order of positive plate-separator-negative plate-separator-positive plate-separator-negative plate are stacked according to the battery capacity.

[0050] The battery cell (110) may be equipped with an electrode lead. The electrode lead is a type of terminal that is exposed to the outside and connected to an external device, and may be made of a conductive material. The electrode lead may include a positive electrode lead and a negative electrode lead.

[0051] A plurality of battery cells (110) can be electrically connected via a bus bar (not shown). However, the bus bar is not shown in the drawing.

[0052] The battery cell stack (100) may be provided with a plurality of cartridges (not shown) that accommodate battery cells (110). Each cartridge (not shown) may be manufactured by injection molding of plastic, and a plurality of cartridges (not shown) having a storage portion capable of accommodating the battery cells (110) may be stacked. A cartridge assembly in which a plurality of cartridges (not shown) are stacked may be provided with a connector element or a terminal element.

[0053] The connector element may include various types of electrical connection components or connecting members for connection to, for example, a BMS (Battery Management System, not shown) that can provide data on the voltage or temperature of the battery cell (110).

[0054] In addition, the terminal element is a main terminal connected to the battery cell (110) and includes a positive terminal and a negative terminal. The terminal element is provided with a terminal bolt so that it can be electrically connected to the outside. Meanwhile, the battery cell (110) may have various shapes.

[0055] A battery cell stack (100) is stored in a module case (200). In addition, the module case (200) may include an upper module case (210), a lower module case (220), and a side module case (230). As shown in FIG. 4, the sealing member (400) described below may be formed in the upper module case (210), but is not limited thereto.

[0056] The module case (200) surrounds the battery cells (110) and thereby protects the battery cells (110) from external vibrations or shocks.

[0057] The module case (200) may include a mica plate formed of mica that has both thermal insulation and heat resistance to prevent flame leakage. Here, the mica plate may include not only a flat mica plate but also a shape having a mixture of flat and curved surfaces.

[0058] The module case (200) may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the battery cell stack (100). For example, if the battery cell stack (100) is formed in a hexahedral shape with a rectangular cross-section, the module case (200) may also be formed in a hexahedral shape corresponding thereto.

[0059] The module case (200) can be manufactured, for example, by bending a metal plate, thereby forming the module case (200) as an integral part. When the module case (200) is manufactured as an integral part, the joining process is simplified and simplified. Alternatively, the module case (200) may be provided in a detachable form and joined by welding or the like. However, the material of the module case (200) is not limited to a metal material.

[0060] When the module case (200) is formed as an integral body or joined by welding, an adhesive is unnecessary, so that even if the temperature inside the battery module (10) rises, the upper module case (210) does not separate from the side module case (230), thereby preventing flames, gases, or high-temperature particles from being emitted all at once in an undesirable direction.

[0061] The flame suppression pad (300) blocks flames, gases, or high-temperature particles generated from any battery cell (110) from spreading to other battery cells (110). To this end, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 , the flame suppression pad (300) may be placed between a plurality of battery cells (110) within the module case (200). For example, the flame suppression pad (300) may be placed between four battery cells (110), but is not limited thereto.

[0062] Here, the flame suppression pads (300) may be arranged at equal intervals or may be arranged at different intervals.

[0063] The flame suppression pad (300) can be formed from various materials, and for example, can be formed from a silicone foam pad to prevent the transmission of flame and heat generated from the battery cell (110). The silicone foam pad is a foam pad with pores formed inside, and has high thermal and chemical stability, and excellent flame retardancy and thermal insulation properties. Therefore, when the flame suppression pad (300) is formed from a silicone foam pad, the transmission of flame, gas, or high-temperature particles can be reliably prevented.

[0064] In addition, the flame suppression pad (300) may also play a role in absorbing swelling when swelling (a phenomenon in which the battery cell (110) swells) occurs in the battery cell (110). This will be described later.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 4, the sealing member (400) is coupled to the module case (200) and is in close contact with the flame suppression pad (300). The sealing member (400) may be coupled to the upper module case (210) or may be coupled to the lower module case (220). However, for convenience of explanation, the following description will focus on the case where the sealing member (400) is coupled to the upper module case (210).

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the adhesive member (400) can be coupled to the upper module case (210) in various ways, for example, it can be fixed to the upper module case (210) by bonding, but is not limited thereto.

[0067] In the case of FIG. 2, the upper module case (210) is shown separated from the side module case (230) before the upper module case (210) is coupled to the side module case (230).

[0068] The adhesive member (400) may be formed into a curved shape before being adhered to the flame suppression pad (300). As shown in Fig. 2, when the upper module case (210) is separated from the side module case (230), the adhesive member (400) is also separated from the flame suppression pad (300) without coming into contact with the flame suppression pad (300).

[0069] At this time, that is, before the adhesive member (400) comes into contact with the flame suppression pad (300), the adhesive member (400) may be formed into, for example, a semicircular shape. However, the shape of the adhesive member (400) is not limited thereto.

[0070] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the adhesive member (400) can be formed to be deformable when in contact with the flame suppression pad (300).

[0071] That is, when the upper module case (210) of FIG. 2 is coupled to the side module case (230) as in FIG. 4, the flame suppression pad (300) pushes up the approximate center (not necessarily the center) of the sealing member (400), whereby the sealing member (400) is pressed against the flame suppression pad (300). Here, the sealing member (400) may be deformed to cover at least a portion of the upper side of the flame suppression pad (300).

[0072] The adhesive member (400) may be made of a heat-resistant material with elasticity. For example, the adhesive member (400) may be formed of a silicone-based material, but is not limited thereto.

[0073] In addition, the adhesive member (400) and the flame suppression pad (300) may be formed of the same material. However, this is not limited to the above, and the adhesive member (400) and the flame suppression pad (300) may be formed of different materials.

[0074] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, when the flame suppression pad (300) comes into contact with the adhesive member (400) and presses the adhesive member (400), the adhesive member (400) is deformed from a semicircular shape to an approximately W shape, and thereby the adhesive member (400) can be in close contact with the flame suppression pad (300).

[0075] In this way, when the adhesive member (400) is adhered to the flame suppression pad (300), flames, gases, or high-temperature particles generated from any battery cell (110) are blocked by the adhesive member (400) and the flame suppression pad (300), as shown in FIG. 6 (see arrows in FIG. 6).

[0076] That is, the above configuration can prevent flames, gases or high-temperature particles from being transmitted to other battery cells (110).

[0077] As described above, the flame suppression pad (300) may absorb swelling when swelling occurs in the battery cell (110). Referring to FIG. 7, when swelling occurs in the battery cell (110), the flame suppression pad (300) may be deformed to absorb the swelling, and accordingly, the sealing member (400) may also be deformed into a W shape (see C and D of FIG. 7).

[0078] Meanwhile, the battery pack (20, see FIG. 8) described later may include a pack case (21), and the pack case (21) may include an upper pack case (22), and a space may be formed between the upper pack case (22) and the upper module case (210).

[0079] In addition, flames, gases or high-temperature particles generated from any battery cell (110) can be discharged in a preset direction through the space between the upper pack case (22) and the upper module case (210).

[0080] Accordingly, the battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention has the effect of enabling directional venting that can discharge flames, gas, or high-temperature particles in the direction intended by the designer.

[0081] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a battery pack including a battery module according to each embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 8, a battery pack (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery modules (10) according to each embodiment of the present invention described above.

[0083] In addition, the battery pack (20) may further include a pack case (21) for storing the battery module (10) and various devices for controlling charging and discharging of the battery cells (110) included in the battery module (10), such as a BMS, a current sensor, a fuse, etc.

[0084] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle including the battery pack of FIG. 8.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 9, a vehicle (30) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery modules (10) according to each embodiment of the present invention described above or one or more battery packs (20) according to each embodiment of the present invention described above. Here, the battery pack (20) may include one or more battery modules (10) according to each embodiment of the present invention described above.

[0086] Here, the above-mentioned automobile (30) includes various automobiles that are designed to use electricity, such as electric automobiles or hybrid automobiles.

[0087] In this specification, when terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, and right are used, these terms are only for convenience of explanation, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms may vary depending on the location of the target object or the location of the observer.

[0088] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains may make various modifications and variations within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims to be described below. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed above should be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. In other words, the true scope of the technical spirit of the present invention is set forth in the claims, and all differences within the scope of equivalents thereof should be construed as being included in the present invention.

[0089] The present invention relates to a battery module, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile, and is particularly applicable to industries related to secondary batteries.

Claims

1. A battery cell stack in which multiple battery cells are stacked; A module case in which the above battery cell stack is stored; A flame suppression pad disposed between a plurality of battery cells inside the module case; and A battery module including a sealing member that is coupled to the above module case and adheres to the above flame suppression pad.

2. In paragraph 1, The above module case includes an upper module case, A battery module characterized in that the above-mentioned adhesive member is coupled to the upper module case.

3. In paragraph 2, A battery module characterized in that the above-mentioned adhesive member is fixed to the upper module case by bonding.

4. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that the above-mentioned adhesion member is formed to be deformable when in contact with the flame suppression pad.

5. In paragraph 4, A battery module characterized in that the above-mentioned adhesive member is made of a heat-resistant material having elasticity.

6. In paragraph 5, A battery module characterized in that the above-mentioned adhesive member and the flame suppression pad are formed of the same material or different materials.

7. In paragraph 5, A battery module characterized in that the above-mentioned adhesive member is formed of a silicone-based material.

8. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that the above-mentioned adhesion member is formed into a curved shape before being adhered to the flame suppression pad.

9. In paragraph 8, A battery module characterized in that the above-mentioned adhesive member is formed into a semicircular shape before being adhered to the flame suppression pad.

10. In paragraph 9, A battery module characterized in that when the flame suppression pad presses the adhesive member and adheres to the adhesive member, the adhesive member changes shape from a semicircular shape to a W shape.

11. In paragraph 10, A battery module characterized in that the above-mentioned sealing member is deformed to surround at least a portion of the upper side of the flame suppression pad.

12. In paragraph 10, A battery module characterized in that the above-mentioned adhesive member is deformed into a W shape according to the swelling phenomenon of the battery cell.

13. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that the above module case is formed integrally.

14. A battery pack comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A vehicle comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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